COPD & Emphysema Support Group
COPD is a progressive disease characterized by airflow obstruction or limitation. Emphysema is characterized by loss of elasticity of the lung tissue, destruction of structures supporting the alveoli and of capillaries feeding the alveoli. Both have symptoms that include shortness of breath, among other respiratory troubles. If you are a COPD or Emphysema sufferer, join...
I have COPD Emphysema and possible vascular Kidney disease. I had a sonogram on my kidneys last Thursday because my GFR was 54 I hope to get the results today. I dont have high blood pressure or diabetes.
I have only 25% lung capacity now. I was diagnosed with Emphysema in 2000 with lung capacity of 30% at that time.
I have oxygen here at home. In the summer of 2006 just weeks after the death of my husband of 30 years. I had two long stays in the hospital, during that time they did a stress test and found I needed 4 leaders of oxygen when up and about and 2 leaters at rest and during sleep.
My oxygen levels at rest now with the pulse ox reads 91 to 98 and moving around from 88 to 95 with out oxygen.
For me this is very confusing. I only put the oxygen on when the palse ox reads below 91, and although I carry oxygen with me when I go out, I most often dont use it.
I notice that my oxygen levels go down when I am under stress, both physical and emotional.
I must be in some sort of denial. My doctor said that I have severe COPD but I seem to be doing better than most who only have 25% lung capacity, or is this they way it is for others the ups and downs with the oxygen levels.
I am cheerful most of the time, although nights are long.
I also wonder how menopause plays into all of this.
When I was diagnosed I was caring for my mother who then had Alzheimer's, this was very stressful, she died at home with me in 2002.
My husband died two years ago of colorectal cancer, another large emotional stress. I had divorced him just three days before Mothers death in 2002 then three months later he was diagnosed with cancer. I was with him when he died in 2006.
I was wondering with all this emotional stuff and menopause how much of my COPD is really stress related. I know I do have COPD but I dont think its as bad as they think it is. I had a Cat Scan in October that said I have mild Emphysema, and it is not different than the scan I had in 2003. I realize that the scan does not show small air ways which is where the damage is, so maybe the scans just cant see it.
So does anyone have oxygen levels that go up and down like this? and does stress effect oxygen levels?
I have only 25% lung capacity now. I was diagnosed with Emphysema in 2000 with lung capacity of 30% at that time.
I have oxygen here at home. In the summer of 2006 just weeks after the death of my husband of 30 years. I had two long stays in the hospital, during that time they did a stress test and found I needed 4 leaders of oxygen when up and about and 2 leaters at rest and during sleep.
My oxygen levels at rest now with the pulse ox reads 91 to 98 and moving around from 88 to 95 with out oxygen.
For me this is very confusing. I only put the oxygen on when the palse ox reads below 91, and although I carry oxygen with me when I go out, I most often dont use it.
I notice that my oxygen levels go down when I am under stress, both physical and emotional.
I must be in some sort of denial. My doctor said that I have severe COPD but I seem to be doing better than most who only have 25% lung capacity, or is this they way it is for others the ups and downs with the oxygen levels.
I am cheerful most of the time, although nights are long.
I also wonder how menopause plays into all of this.
When I was diagnosed I was caring for my mother who then had Alzheimer's, this was very stressful, she died at home with me in 2002.
My husband died two years ago of colorectal cancer, another large emotional stress. I had divorced him just three days before Mothers death in 2002 then three months later he was diagnosed with cancer. I was with him when he died in 2006.
I was wondering with all this emotional stuff and menopause how much of my COPD is really stress related. I know I do have COPD but I dont think its as bad as they think it is. I had a Cat Scan in October that said I have mild Emphysema, and it is not different than the scan I had in 2003. I realize that the scan does not show small air ways which is where the damage is, so maybe the scans just cant see it.
So does anyone have oxygen levels that go up and down like this? and does stress effect oxygen levels?
My oxy levels at rest are 96-98, when I walk they nosedive to 84-86. Doctors say I have 18% lung capacity. I really believe that my condition worsened after my hysterectomy (lack of estrogen). Good job on getting this to post. so far You, me & sue are in agreement. Stay well, Patti
You did a good job searching and finding this:
Recent data suggest that women may be more susceptible to the chronic airway disorders emphysema and bronchitis, together known as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The reasons for this are unclear however data published this month demonstrate a key role of the estrogen receptor in maintaining alveolar surface area and airway elasticity. This suggests that menopause may contribute to the acceleration of COPD and prompts investigation into the development of estrogen agonists as candidate treatments of this group of diseases.
Thanks so much Patti,
Hope your feeling better:)
Holly
I have 20% full lung capacity.
I tire easily,can't stand the cold...everything that goes with it.
I don't and haven't ever used oxygen.
Everyone wonders in disbelief that i am this sick.
I painted houses for 25 yrs., smoked for 30. My dr's said that it has been so gradual that i haven't noticed.
I didn't have ins. so just would not go to the dr.'s.Just went to emergency room alot.
My oxy levels stay borderline or just above normal.
Maybe it's just different for all of us.
Hope all is well today!
Hope your doing well today! The oxygen levels your talked about, is that with the oxygen or with out?
Thanks for your Responce,
Have a Very Nice day!
Holly
Thank You Rudytrue
Sounds like your doing pretty well with 29% lung capacity! You said you didnt have insurance and used the emergency room when needed. Do you have insurance now, Medicare?
Thank For your response!
Have a Very Nice day,
Holly
Hi Jeanne,
I thank you for your responce!
I will continue to be cheerful, and you too!
Have a Very Nice Day!
Holly
really aggrevate emphysema. I am at 36% lung capacity. My son has noticed when I get into
stressful situations, my breathing gets alot worse. Also, lack of sleep makes it worse. My whole body has gone
haywire since menopause. So, it
makes total sense that it would effect COPD. I am on 2 liters of oxygen at night. I wish I had it during the daytime----and probably will soon. You have a great attitude; especially with the loss of your husband and all your other stress. Hang in there.
I think you right. Thank you so very much for your response.
Your very Kind...
Enjoy your evening and weekend, and stay well!
Holly
levels are without (I sometimes forget to put my leash on & jump up to do something! :) I can maintain at about 94-96 % when walking with oxy on.
Keep it up Patti, your an inspiration to us all!
Holly
In my case I think getting a cold virus triggered my COPD, as through this cold virus I developed a lung infection and shadow on the lung. 12 months and many tests xray and scans later I was diagnosed with emphysema.
I find I do not cope well with stress at all these days, I am much more short tempered, easily upset, and get emotionally very quickly, all these one could say are a symptom of the menopause, but to be honest I think these are also symptoms of coping with copd / emphysema, especially when one is not getting the emotional support from their nearest and dearest.
I will be interested to hear if other people feel the same.
Carol